How to Take Care of Your Utility Trailer

Having a utility trailer can make so many everyday tasks so much easier to handle. Whether you consistently haul firewood, move farm equipment, or something else, a utility trailer is suitable enough to handle these tasks that may not otherwise be possible unless you have a pickup truck. Unfortunately, utility trailers often fail long before they should if they are not properly cared for. Here is a look at how to take proper care of your trailer.

Be mindful of the weight capacity

Every utility trailer has a weight capacity that you should know from the moment you pull the trailer out at the store to take it home. Overloading a trailer is one of the number-one reasons these useful units break down faster than they should. If you put too much weight on the trailer, it puts undue stress on the axle, wheels, wheel bearings, and the tongue, which means these components are more likely to sustain some kind of damage. Likewise, you have to be careful about even weight distribution when you are loading a lot of heavy items. For example, if you are hauling a load of firewood, make sure it is stacked evenly on the trailer.

Don't leave the trailer unprotected in the weather

When you are not going to be using your trailer, it is best if you leave it parked in a protected area. If you do not have space in your garage or under a carport, pick up a trailer cover or a tarp to protect the trailer when it is not in use. Leaving the trailer parked out in the direct sunlight, in the rain and snow, or otherwise in the weather, can break down the protective finish on the trailer and start to affect the metal over time. 

Remember to keep good tires on the trailer

Keeping your trailer outfitted with good tires is one of the most important things you can do for the life of your utility trailer. If the tires are not in good shape, it can affect the weight distribution on the trailer, cause problems with the axles, and more. Just like you would never ride around in your car with bald tires or tires that have broken belts or not enough air pressure, you should never do so with your trailer either. Pay attention to proper tire pressure, tire treads, and the overall quality of the tires.